Cesc Fabregas has backed Arsenal believes Arsenal will 'surprise people' when they play against their title rivals Manchester City and he thinks his former club will win 2-1 at the Etihad this weekend.
Before the international break, Arsenal secured the top spot in the Premier League table by beating Brentford in a dramatic match at the Emirates, marking their eighth successive win in the English top flight. Arsenal's title credentials were questioned after a tough winter period, but they have made a strong recovery under Mikel Arteta and are aiming for a standout performance in Manchester on Sunday.Gabriel Martinelli scored the only goal as Arsenal triumphed in the reverse fixture in October, and a similar result would see the club go four points ahead of last year's treble winners, Pep Guardiola’s side.
City are facing several injury concerns ahead of the match, with players like John Stones, Kyle Walker, Kevin De Bruyne, and Manuel Akanji struggling for fitness.
Arsenal are also dealing with injuries to Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Martinelli, but there is hope that all three could play against the defending champions. Fabregas, speaking on the
A victory this weekend would see Arsenal go four points clear of the champions.
Fabregas believes that Pep Guardiola always approaches games with the same mindset, aiming to win and willing to field young players. He thinks the real challenge for City will be in terms of quality and pace at the back.
Fabregas also added that Arsenal have made significant progress over the past year with new additions, making them a very complete and solid team. Planet Premier League He stated that it will be a big challenge for Arsenal to face City, but he is confident that they will surprise people because they are better than many people think.
When asked for his prediction, Fabregas said: 'I think realistically, based on what I see and feel, and the news about injuries and doubts… what I have in my mind is 1-2 to Arsenal.'
Fabregas believes that Arsenal midfielder Rice has all the necessary qualities (Picture: Getty)
Fabregas stated that Declan Rice has proved to be the 'complete package' in midfield and a 'very big plus' for Arsenal since his move from West Ham last summer.
'He can also play as a double-pivot, by himself, or as a No.8, and I think he seems very intelligent.
‘He knows his limitations, so I feel confident. When I watch him play, I feel like he won't make a mistake in this game!’
‘I don’t know what will happen on Sunday, but he gives you that trust that, in midfield, in big games, you want players who take responsibility, have personality, and are trustworthy, especially against a top Manchester City team with so many quality players in midfield.
‘I think Arsenal, Arsenal fans, and Mikel, when they have Declan in there, they feel secure. That’s a very big advantage for the team.’
According to Fabregas, Declan Rice has proven himself to be the ‘complete package’ in midfield and a ‘very big plus’ for Arsenal following his big-money move from West Ham last summer.
‘He’s brought dynamism, physicality, quality, intelligence, maturity. He’s the complete package in midfield, in my opinion,’ the former Spain World Cup winner explained.
‘He can play also as a double-pivot, he can play by himself, he can play higher up as a No.8 and I think he looks like a very intelligent boy.
‘He knows his limitations as well so I feel safe. I see him play and I’m like: “I don’t think this boy will make a mistake in this game!”
‘Listen, I don’t know what will happen on Sunday, but he gives you that trust that, in midfield, in big games, you want players who take responsibility, have personality, players who you can trust, especially against a top Manchester City team when they have so many players in midfield with so much quality.
‘I think Arsenal, Arsenal fans and Mikel, when they have Declan in there they feel safe. That’s a very big plus for the team.’
